Europe’s plan to boost fertiliser supply and food security

Farmers across Europe are under increasing pressure due to recent supply disruptions and price volatility. The Commission has put forward an initiative to support its farmers against rising fertiliser costs and scarcity, reinforce domestic production and reduce Europe's dependency on imports.

The fertiliser action plan will help to ensure food security by supporting farmers and improving their access to fertilisers. Specifically, the Commission will 

• deliver exceptional financial support
• present a new liquidity scheme to help with cash flow
• provide stronger incentives for more efficient farming practices
• support farmers in achieving better nutrient management
• propose measures to facilitate the use of digestates, ie. the nutrient-rich material left over by organic waste (like food scraps or manure)

It will also reinforce Europe's strategic autonomy, by boosting domestic production and by promoting the circular economy and decarbonisation. This will see the Commission

• take steps to support the domestic fertiliser industry
• encourage the use of organic and bio-based European fertiliser alternatives
• look at incentives for the fertiliser industry that encourage decarbonising production while increasing the production of sustainable fertilisers in the EU, in the context of the upcoming Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) review
• cut unnecessary red tape and market barriers and propose new measures to grow demand for sustainable home-grown fertilisers
• ensure the fertiliser sector has equal access to funding for green innovation and modernisation

Finally, the plan will strengthen market transparency and preparedness, while enhancing dialogue between stakeholders. To achieve this, the Commission will

• launch an EU fertilisers value chain partnership, bringing together fertiliser producers, farmers and EU countries
• strengthen market monitoring, early-warning capabilities and propose a framework to ensure the availability of regular up-to-date data on fertilisers in the EU
• assess stockpiling and other options for securing key fertilisers and inputs to strengthen preparedness

Fertilisers are essential for agricultural productivity, farm viability and food security, and they represent a significant share of production costs for farmers. This action plan represents the latest step the Commission has taken to give farmers reliable access to sufficient quantities of affordable fertilisers, while making Europe more resilient, competitive and green.

For more information

Press release - Commission presents plan to secure Europe's fertiliser supply and food security

Ensuring the availability and affordability of fertilisers in the EU

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